News Release
For Immediate Release
November 17, 2023
Contact
Gina Patterson, executive director
434-295-8722 or gina@vsba.org
Amherst County School Board Member Priscilla Liggon Honored with 2023 VSBA Advocate for Education Award
Charlottesville, VA – November 17, 2023 – The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) proudly announces Priscilla Liggon, a distinguished member of the Amherst County School Board, as the recipient of the 2023 Advocate for Education Award. This award recognizes school board members who have demonstrated significant and outstanding leadership, commitment, and contribution to public education that has had an impact on their region and the Commonwealth, and who have shown active involvement in local, state, and federal advocacy on behalf of their school division, VSBA, and public education. This is the ninth year the award has been presented. The 2023 award was sponsored by BoardDocs.
Unwavering Commitment to Education
“No one exemplifies dedication to a school system like Mrs. Priscilla Liggon,” stated Amherst County School Board Chair Chris Terry. “She always puts students before any other agenda. She has dedicated the last 24 years to making Amherst County Schools a better place for the students and is primed to give at least four more years. It has been a great pleasure for me to serve with her on the board and it is my honor to call her Friend.”
Abby Thompson, Vice-Chair of the Amherst County Public Schools, adds, “I have known Mrs. Liggon for about 25 years and served with her on our school board for the past seven years. In that time, she has never wavered from her commitment to our children. She knows our students and our community very well and is respected by all. Mrs. Liggon is the consummate board member who makes the tough strategic decisions with the board yet, walks among the students and props them up for success.”
A Regional Impact
Priscilla Liggon’s influence extends beyond the local borders of Amherst County. Superintendent Dr. William Wells acknowledges her role as a mentor, noting that she has served as a guiding figure not only within the Amherst County School Board but also for board members in the broader region and state. Dr. Wells highlights Liggon’s commitment to keeping the school division focused on the core principle of putting students first in every decision and remaining committed to the school division’s motto of “Every Child, Every Day.”
A Legacy of Service
Priscilla Liggon has served on the Amherst County School Board since July 1, 1999, and served as chair of the school board in January 2020-December 2021. Beyond her local roles, Priscilla has taken her efforts to the state level and served as the school division policy representative with the Virginia School Boards Association and as a delegate or alternate to the VSBA Delegate Assembly since 2014. Priscilla has also served as a mentor to new board members, sharing her insights and experiences to foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Championing Professional Development
Priscilla Liggon’s commitment to professional development is evident through her three-time recognition with the VSBA Award of Excellence and Award of Honor. Actively participating in committees such as the VSBA Legislative Positions Committee and VSBA Finance/Audit Committee, Liggon continues to contribute to the enhancement of educational policies at both state and local levels.
About the Virginia School Boards Association
The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
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